The charm and elegance of Gees is always unmatched.
Going back to Gees is always extra special and nostalgic for me, as I used to be a bartender there years ago.
Having not been back for a couple of years, I was really looking forward to this meal! Located in a Victorian conservatory, the ambiance is one of my favourite things, whether you are there during the day or night (though I must say that there is something extra special about the sparkle of Gee’s during the evening).
As always, I prepared myself ahead of the visit by looking at the menu to know what I was going to order, then proceeded to act like I hadn’t already made up my mind by the time I got there – anyone else do this?!
First things first, shots…
…of tomato and basil soup (I bet that was not what you were expecting).
To warm us up, we were served two shots of tomato and basil soup. This was the perfect way to warm us up and wake up our palates.
Highly recommend tomato soup shots instead of alcohol shots!
Let’s move on to drinks and starters
I ordered a spicy margarita (can’t stop, won’t stop) and a glass of white wine (for the life of me, I can not remember which one it was, but it was recommended).
That spicy margarita was stunning. I couldn’t really taste the tequila, and for whatever reason, this was very refreshing. The jalapeno garnish was the cherry on top because every time I sipped my drink, the scent of the jalapeno added that kick – a great play on the senses.
The white wine was slightly dry, but in a good way, and complemented the meal very well.
Serrano ham croquetas
Croquetas are one of those things that, as soon as I see them on the menu, not much is going to stop me from ordering them.
These were crispy on the outside and warm and smooth on the inside – absolutely delicious. I would say the portion could have done with at least one or two more though.
Seared scallops, cauliflower puree, and pancetta
Cooked perfectly, the scallops were very fresh, and the cauliflower puree and pancetta (LOVE pancetta) elevated the dish. The puree was very simple, and the salty element of the pancetta seasoned the dish well.
One of the highlights of the meal, without a doubt.
On to the mains…
I went for the fillet steak, and my friend had the fish of the day.
‘Today’s fish’ was Monkfish and Mussels served with potatoes. Like with the scallops, I have to commend how fresh everything tasted, and this was confirmed by the manager, who said they get their fish in daily. This truly makes a difference, and even though I’m not a fan of monkfish, I actually enjoyed trying it. With the sauce at the bottom, my friend really enjoyed this as she is a big fan of seafood. The fish was cooked perfectly; however, the potatoes were undercooked.
The fillet steak was served with cherry tomatoes, roasted shallots, chips, and chimichurri. Steak is one of my go-to main course selections. The fillet itself was cooked to my taste, and all the other elements were complementary to the dish. Peppercorn is my usual sauce preference for a steak, but chimichurri is my backup choice, so this went down a treat.
On to the best course and my all-time fave dessert from Gees!
The chocolate nemesis has been my favourite dessert at Gees since I worked there!
This is one for the chocaholics. Smooth and decadent is the best way to describe this. The creme fraiche on the side helps break through the rich, chocolatey-ness. Since the chocolate used is quite dark, some may find this a bit overpowering – not for the faint hearted.
No notes on this- still as good as I remember.
Twice-baked lemon soufflé, for something more refreshing
What I love about soufflé is the texture and consistency. The lemon taste was strong due to the zest, giving it a nice tang and added layer of texture.
Recommend sharing this and the nemesis, it was good to have both a fruity/fresh dish with the rich chocolatey option.
This was possibly one of my best meals in 2025
Both my friend and I were really impressed from start to finish. The staff were very welcoming and professional throughout. The dishes were very tasty, fresh, and beautifully presented. Highlights were definitely the scallops, spicy margarita, and the chocolate nemesis.
Gees also has their ‘secret garden’ outdoor seating area where you will definitely find me sometime next year, once the weather warms up again – I’m ready for spritz season already!
This is an ideal spot for a celebratory or a date night meal. Thank you to the team at Gees for looking after us so well. Be back soon!
Gees Restaurant and Bar
61-63 Banbury Rd, Park Town, Oxford OX2 6PE
Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own
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